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PENSACOLA: Wreck diving Mecca welcomes the Mighty O

April 27, 2006 on 4:52 pm | In Florida, Scuba Diving |

- By Patricia Holt, Jetsetters Magazine Florida Correspondent.

The waters off Pensacola, Destin, and Panama Beach, Florida have long been a popular mecca for scuba diving enthusiasts, with a special interest in wreck diving. On May 17, 2006 the newest and largest wreck for the area will be added to most scuba divers’ “must dive” list.

It took almost three years to make this happen, but the rusting hulk of the warship once known as “the Mighty O” arrived in Pensacola March 24, 2006, for its final preparation before being sunk. Tugboats guided the powerless ship through the calm seas at less than 2 mph; it took the decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany all afternoon to dock at Allegheny Pier at the southeastern tip of the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

The ship will become the largest ship ever to be sunk as an artificial reef and scuba-diving attraction, and diving enthusiasts have looked forward to its long-delayed arrival. The ship should be ready for scuba diving visitors approximately two or three days after it is on the bottom of the sea.

The Navy has established the national sink date as May 17, 2006, subject to weather conditions. The plan is to sink it approximately 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola. The site is part of the permitted Escambia East Large Area Artificial Reef site, which is 77 square miles. The proposed location is 30o 02′ 38″ N Latitude, 87o 00′ 25″ W Longitude. It will be sunk to a depth of 212 feet, providing a 61-foot navigational clearance at mean low water above the ship if the ship settles on its keel.

Pensacola in the Panhandle of Florida is a great scuba diving destination with numerous sunken ships, planes, tanks, and barges within a small area. In Pensacola Bay, eleven ships became victims of a hurricane during 1500. The colonists at Pensacola Bay were unloading vessels when the massive storm overtook them. Of course, there were no storm warnings like we have today and they were taken unaware. Other wrecks in the area also include the 500-foot World War I battleship, USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo, a Navy barge, and an A-7 Corsair that fell off the deck of the carrier USS Lexington. You’ll find Vietnam-era tanks and various other naval ships, too. Pensacola is much more than just a diving destination. Pensacola offers the best of all worlds to visitors. From history and shopping to sports, nature, and attractions, and of course OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES. There is something for everyone! Shopping is terrific at downtown Pensacola specialty shops. Stop at one of the tempting coffee shops, cafes or eateries for lunch, or just an afternoon snack. The downtown area showcases wonderful art galleries featuring both local and regional art, as well as traveling exhibits in the Pensacola Museum of Art. If antique shopping entices you, antique stores and flea markets can be found throughout the area.

The Wall South at Veterans Memorial Park on Bayfront Parkway is a one-half scale replica of the design in Washington, D.C. The world-class National Museum of Naval Aviation showcases the history of aviation through indoor and outdoor exhibits and the museum admission is free (We are the home of the Pensacola Naval Air Station.). Visitors are awed by this collection of over 140 meticulously restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation. Be sure to catch the latest large format film at the IMAX Theater. If the Blue Angel Flight Team is in town, watch them practice their awesome maneuvers, or visit during the Blue Angels Air Shows during July and November.

Visit Fort Pickens where you can take a self-guided tour of this authentic fort that was active during the Civil War and later used as a jail to hold the infamous American Indian chief Geronimo.

Follow a walking trail showing museum artifacts and archaeological sites from Colonial times at the Colonial Archaeological Trail Center and learn about West Florida’s heritage.

Pensacola is full of culture, history, outdoor adventure, fine museums and attractions, and 52 miles of white sugar beaches. Come visit and enjoy a true Florida vacation and some fantastic wreck dives in the Pensacola area.

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